Ohhh Miami, why do we have such a serious love affair with the city?! Ask anyone and they have a story that begins with, “one time in Miami….” whether it’s our parents on vacation once upon a time, or our bestie during her Spring Break. Miami is one of the most popular vacation spots in the USA, and for a good reason. The city is fun, vibrant, and with plenty of things to do 24/7 (trust me I’ve done them all!). And the best part, its a newer city so it’s constantly growing, with more and more job openings and opportunities for professionals. Many of my friends moved here from New York, California and Chicago so it’s no secret that Miami is muy caliente.
However, even if you do secure a job offer in Miami, moving there is not an easy decision. Because of its unique casual lifestyle, buzzing nightlife, and hurricane season; Miami might not be for everyone. So, before you start packing your bags, keep reading to find out everything you should know about relocating to Miami.
Life In Miami Is Affordable
The cost of living is one of the most important things to consider when moving to a new place. So if you’re thinking of relocating to Miami from another big city such as New York or San Francisco, you might be surprised by how much cheaper some things are. For instance, in NYC $2,000 will get you a cramped (old) studio in New York, but in Miami you’ll be able to get a pretty nice (new!) one bedroom condo for the same amount. I love having more space for my money.
In fact, basically everything is less expensive in Miami than in New York and other big cities. And once you see how much money you could be saving by living in Miami, it might be a bit easier to make the call and move. If it’s New York that you’d be moving out of, you can check out this guide on all the specifics of moving from New York to Miami. If you are in another big city, you can also do a price comparison on Numbeo and see how Miami ranks compared to the city you’re in.
No Taxes
Another reason why Miami is an attractive living option is that the taxes are among the lowest in the country. Plus, there’s no state income tax in Florida, which could potentially save you thousands of dollars yearly. Also, sales tax in Miami is 7%, which is less than in other parts of the country – so shop til you drop because you’re really saving money 😉
Finally, property taxes depend on the municipality you live in, so that is another thing to consider when looking for a place. The best part is if you pay your taxes early, you can get a discount on property taxes. Something to remember when considering buying or renting.
Job Payment is Lower
Although the cost of living is cheaper and taxes are more convenient, keep in mind that salaries in Miami are lower compared to other cities. In Miami, the minimum wage is $8.65 as of January 1, 2021 (it used to be even lower — $8.56 per hour). By comparison, in San Francisco, the minimum wage comes to around $16.07, which is almost double of what it is in Miami. In the end, it all depends on the type of career path, but this is something to definitely need to consider and discuss with a potential employer.
The Miami Weather Pros and Cons
If you’re thinking of moving from the East Coast, you might be excited about having nice weather year-round. Well, that is what you’ll get in Miami, where the temperature doesn’t fall below 60 degrees even in the winter months. However, there are also some weather risks to consider like hurricanes and tropical storms from June to November.
That means being prepared in advance for the possibility of a big storm. Keeping a stock of essentials and having an escape plan or a shelter is something you need to work out as soon as you move to Miami. Honestly once you go through one hurricane you realize it’s not that scary, however it is important to always be prepared.
During hurricane season, there are daily afternoon showers, though they don’t last too long. My suggestion is to download a NOAA Weather App on your phone so you can keep track of rainy days and know when to leave your home.
Real Estate In Miami
When relocating to Miami, another important decision is whether you will buy or rent a place. At first, it might be better to rent a place to figure out which neighborhood to move to. One of my favorites (after Brickell) is Coconut Grove. Once you fall in love with Miami, and your new job, buying a place might be the next best option.
However, whether you decide to rent or buy, it’s not easy to get an affordable place in Miami. The prices of homes have gone up in the last couple of years, driving the median family home price up to $355,000. That means that the market is quite competitive, so if you find something at a reasonable price, you need to act quickly.
If you do eventually buy a home in Miami, its value will only continue to grow in the future – because it is Miami after all! Snowbirds, retirees and young families love it here so it’s always a hot market. So moving to Miami might turn out to be a smart investment for the future if you play your cards right and find a home that’s truly going to be a growth opportunity for you and your family.
Miami: Another City That Never Sleeps
When it comes to entertainment, few cities can match Miami. No matter what your idea of fun is, you’ll be able to find some activities here. For instance, if you’re into sports and fitness, Miami is perfect for you. It has amazing parks that offer places to run, hike, mountain bike, or simply walk the dog. Of course, there are also many beaches that are within walking distance of residential areas. So when you don’t know what to do, you can always head to the beach!
And once the weekend comes around, there is an abundance of clubs that are open until 5 am. In addition, Miami has some of the best festivals in the world that you can’t miss. My recommendation is the South Beach Seafood Festival in October – think about it – delicious food, cocktails and toes in the sand, sounds magnificent.
Moving to Miami
Now that you have more information about what life in Miami would be like, it’s easier to make a decision. Now, your next step is to prepare for the move. Though that might sound stressful, you can handle anything with good organization. So, start working on your moving checklist so you can stay on top of all your possessions and plan your next steps accordingly. If you ever want any new tips on what to do, where to go, and the best dining options, come back to my blog for more tips to navigate Miami like a local.